The Low Carbon Economy Ltd

Defra: air pollution targets could save £24bn

Joint measures to cut emissions and improve air quality could save the UK around £24 billion, according to a new government report.

The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) published the paper last week outlining new 'cost-effective' initiatives to meet EU targets on reducing air pollution.

Defra's chief scientific adviser, Bob Watson, said: "We've seen time and again that dealing with environmental problems in isolation is neither effective nor efficient. We need a coordinated view which confronts the complexities involved and seeks to maximise the co-benefits of actions."

Studies cited in the report found that air pollution and climate change derived from the same sources. Recent success in improving air quality was attributed in part to reductions in transport emissions.

One of the conclusions of the report is that promoting "non-combustion renewable sources of electricity, promoting the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and reducing agricultural demands for nitrogen" is key to better air quality in the future.